THE MAPPIA METHODOLOGY

The method consists of three steps, and is based on recent neuroscience findings.

Step 1: Learn which picture that corresponds to which abstract concept (e.g. number)
Pictures create more connections in the brain than abstracts concepts (e.g. numbers) do. Therefore, the first step of the Mappia methodology consists of connecting each of the abstract concepts you are about to learn with a picture.
In the visual multiplication table, the abstract concepts are numbers. To learn one table, you have to connect the ten numbers in the table to ten of the pictures in Mappia’s “picture alphabet for number”. This is normally an easy task, due to the thematic approach to the “picture alphabet”, the numerous example associations provided and the easily memorizable pictures.
When applying this step to other subjects than maths, other pictures than those in the ”picture alphabet for numbers” will be used.

Step 2: Create a context by positioning each picture on a visual overview
To understand how the concepts of a knowledge area interact, we need to put the concepts in a context. In the Mappia methodology this is done by positioning the pictures from Step 1 on a visual overview of the knowledge area.
In the visual multiplication table the order of the tables is represented by positioning the ten pictures of a table (corresponding to the ten numbers in a table) on a table overview. Each of the tables has its own table overview.

Step 3: Automatize the knowledge
Automatized knowledge can be recalled fast and without effort. To achieve this deeper learning, new knowledge has to be repeated several times. However, it is important when and how often the knowledge is repeated. By systematically repeating at optimal times it is possible to automatize knowledge without extensive rehearsing.